Jason La Canfora, of the Washington Post, reports Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs released veteran LB Kevin Mitchell to allow him time to catch on with another team instead of waiting until the team's next set of preseason cuts.

Updating previous reports, Paul Woody reports for the Sporting News that the Washington Redskins plan to take a long look at MLB Kevin Mitchell as the starter at middle linebacker. He played capably in 2001 when he started most of the year and the team is looking at him as a potential replacement for MLB Jeremiah Trotter, who has been allowed to search for a new team.

The Washington Post reports Washington Redskins LB Kevin Mitchell does not expect the Redskins' recent move of allowing LB Jeremiah Trotter to seek a trade or be released to result in a starting position for himself. Mitchell expects the team will continue to look at other free agent linebackers after bringing in a few over the past few weeks. "Me starting right now doesn't mean anything," Mitchell said. "But I'm going to try to do my best and hopefully they won't have to bring anybody in here."

Washington Redskins LB Jeremiah Trotter has been given permission by the team to seek a trade, according to the Associated Press. Trotter, who was absent on the first day of the team's minicamp on Friday, Mar. 26, is a prime candidate to be released by the Redskins after June 1, in order to save money under the salary cap. He would be entering the third year of a seven-year, $36 million contract. Kevin Mitchell, the man Trotter replaced in the Washington lineup at middle linebacker, is the top candidate to receive his spot, unless the team signs or drafts a younger player.